The Georgia research lab patching children’s hearts with 3D printing

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The Children’s Heart Research and Outcomes Center, aptly abbreviated as HeRO, is at the cutting edge of tissue engineering. A part of Georgia Tech and Emory University, HeRO is developing therapies that can change children’s lives and, unsurprisingly, 3D printing is playing its role in that plan.

The Davis Group, led by HeRO director Michael Davis, is working with 3D bioprinters to engineer valves, leaflets and patches for the heart, made from a patient’s own stem cells.With these projects, the hope is that one day HeRO will be able to provide a long-lasting solution for children born with congenital heart disease.

A living, growing, treatment

According to the Davis Group’s bio, “Currently, the only major treatment for heart failure is transplantation. However, it is estimated that less than 30% of patients survive to receive their new hearts.”

For this reason, the lab pulls focus on to regenerative fields of treatment and preservation “using molecular-based and biomaterials-based approaches to restoring function after cardiac injury.”

In one project, led by fourth-year PhD candidate Aline Nachlas, the lab is looking at a 3D bioprinting approach to produce heart valves.

So far, Nachlas has succeeded in finding the perfect material for encapsulating to-be-printed stem cells. By-passing the use of animal cells, the team is hopeful that this approach will be able to create valves that grow with the patient, rather than needing multiple adjustment operations.

“We hope these cells will be able to print valves, or at least the leaflets that make up valves,” said Davis.

“We want to create a living valve that grows with the child.”

Patching up the heart

In another project at the Davis lab, researchers are attempting to 3D print cell-laden heart patches.

Dr. Vahid Serpooshan, a new recruit for the lab, has proven experience in this field and is working with other HeRO researchers to investigate the technology. At present, the method uses cells derived from pigs to 3D print a “living” gelatinous cell scaffold.

“Very few people are trying to heal with 3D printed patches,” said Davis. “My lab is on the forefront of that research. We are trying to make a positive contribution in a sensible way.”

Courtesy of new hire Dr. Vahid Serpooshan and his former mentor Dr. Sean Wu, we see a 3D printed biopatch being made incorporating stem cells. Dr. Serpooshan and several of the other HeRO investigators are working hard on stem cell and 3D bioprinting technologies to bring the next generation of therapies to children with heart disease. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; KidsatHeart Choa; Sibley Heart Center Cardiology; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering; The Children's Heart Foundation; Emory University School of Medicine

Beau Jackson is Senior Journalist at 3D Printing Industry. With a longstanding commitment to the site's content, she is credited with producing more articles than any other author in its history. Well-versed in the latest 3D printing research and legal/regulatory challenges, her repertoire spans aerospace, automotive, maritime, medical and creative industries. She is a keen speaker and active representative of the company at key additive manufacturing events.